Amazon teams up with Uber for latest great Echo feature

Amazon Echo has been adding new features so quickly we can barely keep up. Next up for the smart speaker? The ability to call you an Uber car with a simple voice command.

To get started you’ll have to set your Echo’s location using the Alexa app on your smartphone. Then head into the app’s Skills section and connect it to your Uber account. After that you’re good to go.

Just say one of several phrases within earshot of the Echo and Amazon’s digital assistant will call for an Uber in seconds. A few voice command options include “Alexa, ask Uber to get me a car;” “Alexa, order me an Uber” and “Alexa, call me a ride.” You can also ask Alexa how long before your ride shows up to get a quick ETA.

Of course, hailing an Uber was already pretty easy, but this makes it even easier. Now you can call for a car even if you don’t have your phone on hand. It could also be great for anyone who’s still not totally comfortable using their smartphones for some tasks.

The update should be available now for both Uber and Echo, though it could be a day or two before it reaches everyone.